March 18th, 2008 at 01:36pm
Under Cat Care+ Litter Box
By Julia Camden
Cats and their litter habits can be one of the main annoyances
of having a cat; it can often seem like they go to the bathroom
in places other than their litter box just to get back at you,
or annoy or get revenge on their owner somehow.
First of all, it is a myth that cats must be litter trained.
Cats are instinctively able to use the bathroom in the litter
box, but this makes other sand-like areas prone to defecation as
well, and that includes rock gardens, house plants, vegetable
gardens, or anything else of that nature.
Another one of the common litter-related problems that many
people experience with their cats is that they tend to spray to
mark their territory, and this is especially true with male
cats. In order to get your cat to be as gentlemanly as possible
when it comes to their litter habits, there are a few things you
can keep in mind that might help your case.
1. Location, Location, Location
Where you put your litter box has a great deal to do with how
willing your cat will be to use it, versus other areas in the
house. Wouldn’t you rather use the bathroom in a warm
comfortable area than a cold, dank one? For this reason,
basements, laundry rooms and other areas are not such a great
place to put the litter box.
Understandably, you probably want to put your litter box in a
remote area where people can’t see it and odors are less
offensive, but if you want them to use the box and not your
couch cushion, you should think twice about your location.
2. Consider the Litter
The litter that you use in your cat’s litter box is another
thing that must be taken into consideration. Cat litter with
large granules or a certain smell or texture that your cat does
not like or is not used to is a good way to discourage them from
using the box at all. It may cost a bit more, but the better the
litter, the more money you spend on buying a quality litter for
your cat box, the more inclined they will be to use that litter
box.
3. Keep it Clean
Cleaning your litter box as often as possible is the best way
to get your feline to use the litter box more consistently.
Think about it; do you want to use a nasty toilet? Cats are just
as finicky as you when it comes to where toileting is done, and
perhaps even more so.
If your cat is using other places than the litter box that is a
good indication that you aren’t keeping it as clean as they
would like. Consider self cleaning litter boxes that scoop waste
out of the bin shortly after it is deposited.
About the Author: Have a cat behavior problem that needs
solving? If so, you’ll want to visit
www.secretsofcats.com today to find out how to train your
cat and eliminate bad cat behavior quickly. Go to
www.secretsofcats.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: www.isnare.com/?aid=159821&ca=Pets
By Fred
February 14th, 2008 at 12:58pm
Under Cat Care+ Cat Owner+ Pet Hazards
By Larry Chamberlain
Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these ‘How to
find a lost cat’ steps, and try to stay calm. Remember that most
lost cats have not run away from home, we all know about cats
and curiosity.
The first place you will want to search for your lost cat is
right inside your home. It may seem obvious but make sure that
your cat is not shut in a room, less obvious check washing
machines, clothes dryers, dish washers, even refrigerators.
Check garden sheds, garages, basements and attics, look up
trees. An injured cat will hide anywhere, and will not always
respond to your calling, so search every possible space, under
furniture, in boxes, any conceivable space that your cat could
have crawled into.
Next check with your immediate neighbors, ask them to check
their sheds, garages, etc. Ask local children if they have seen
your cat, when and where they last saw it, ask if they know of
any places that your cat could be hiding. If the children are
old enough, and with their parents permission, ask them to help
find your lost cat.
Ask people who are regularly outside your home, joggers, postal
workers, people walking dogs, moms taking kids to school, if
they have seen your cat. Show them a photograph if possible.
It is a good idea to make a search to find a lost cat at night,
but not alone - have someone with you.
Have you, or your neighbors, had anything delivered? It has
been known for cats to climb into the backs of vehicles and get
driven off, phone the company and see if they know anything.
Have you recently moved? Check your old address, if it is a
distance, phone your old neighbors ask them to let you know if
they should find your lost cat.
Post flyers, preferably with a photograph, all around your
neighborhood. Make the flyers stand out somehow, use brightly
colored paper if possible. Do not publish your name and address,
just your phone number, if you offer a reward do not state the
amount. Don’t forget to go back frequently and check that the
flyers are still there, sometimes people take them down. Leave
flyers at your local post office, pet supplies store,
laundromat, gas station, animal shelter and veterinary. Consider
placing a ‘Lost Cat’ classified ad. in your local newspaper.
Return to the same spots that you have already investigated and
search again and again. Call back to the animal shelters and
animal control agencies, in person - do not rely on telephoning.
Do not shrink from checking with the highway department and any
other agency that deals with road kills, you would rather know
if the worst has happened.
Finally have hope, cats are tough creatures and can last for
some time without food and water. It is not too unusual for lost
cats to be reunited with their owners after being missing for
some months.
About the Author: If you have a pet related web site and you
wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so,
provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including
this resource box and live link to www.best-cat-art.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: www.isnare.com/?aid=32564&ca=Pets
By Fred
